Baby Pumpkin Puddings Recipe

These delicate baby puddings scented with a touch of rum and orange zest started life as the filling for pumpkin pie, but are even easier to make in individual cups. Serve them up as an alternative to pumpkin pie after Thanksgiving dinner. The puddings can be made a day ahead and refrigerated, but bring them to room temperature before serving.

Step 1: For the brittle, melt half the sugar in a small heavy saucepan over medium-low heat. Once the sugar starts to melt around the edge of the pan, stir until all the sugar has melted. Add the remaining sugar and stir until it has turned a caramel colour. This could take up to 15 minutes. If you have a candy thermometer, it should register 250°F, just below hard boil.

Step 2: Stir in the pecans and salt and quickly pour the mixture onto a lightly buttered counter or baking sheet. Use a lightly oiled spatula to smooth the brittle into a thin layer (about 1/4″ thick). Allow to cool and then break into shards. Extra brittle will keep in a closed container for a few days.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Step 4: For the puddings, combine the pumpkin, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg and mace in a large bowl.

Step 5: Whisk together the eggs, evaporated milk, rum and orange zest in a separate bowl. Stir the egg mixture into the purée.

Step 6: Divide the custard among six ovenproof ramekins and place in a roasting pan. If there are any small bubbles on top of the custards, draw the tip of a small knife across the top to break them.

Step 7: Make a bain marie by pouring warm water into the roasting pan until it comes halfway up the sides of the ramekins. Place a piece of foil lightly over the top and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the puddings are barely quivering in the middle.

Step 8: Remove the ramekins from the oven, cool on a rack and refrigerate, covered, until an hour before serving.

Step 9: For the whipped cream, combine the cream and vanilla in a bowl and whip until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and cinnamon. Whip until the cream is soft and billowy. Refrigerate.

Step 10: Garnish the flans with a dollop of whipped cream and a shard of pecan brittle.